18 July 2019: University of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student John Vandermeide discovers first-hand how to apply his studies to the workforce.
By his own admission, John Vandermeide wasn’t sure what lay ahead when he was presented with the opportunity of a professional placement with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).
John, in his third year of an Applied Science in Forensic Studies degree at the University of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, moved into this area of study after a year of studying for a degree in nutrition.
This is a reflection on the flexibility of being able to find a course that ultimately suits your aspiration at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
Such is John’s passion for Applied Science in Forensic Studies that he is now looking to do Honours at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ next year.
He says the 15-week professional placement at ASADA ignited his desire to make a difference, having been tasked with building a substance database for the anti-doping authority. “It’s a very interesting mix of science and enforcement,” Mr Vandermeide said. “It’s given me a better understanding of what is required in a work place; it’s something I can now apply to my studies.”
The opportunity came about through ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s MOU with ASADA, which sees professional placements for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students in ASADA’s Science Department.
Guided by ASADA’s science team, John has completed the project. Being the first placement from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in ASADA, John says it has been an incredible experience; “I would recommend it 100 per cent. It’s been invaluable. The practical experience is sometimes hard to replicate outside the workplace.”
James Grech, ASADA’s Science and Results Management Coordinator, says the partnership has mutual benefits. “The partnership with ASADA and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ strengthens the positions of the graduates while also benefiting an important project at ASADA,” he says.
“For newly graduated students looking to enter the work force, demonstrating experience in a public service organisation may be the example to separate them from the rest of the field.”
John is now preparing for his next challenge; working on a project with renowned ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Professor Sudha Rao and her cancer research team.